Controversial Airport Security Scanners Get House Attention

One of the more controversial programs run by the Transportation Security Administration is the use of backscatter x-ray technology that sees under clothing.  In fact, it sees very well under clothing, enough that critics call it a virtual strip search.  While Congress can get pretty gung-ho about security, this is one area that makes a lot of people queasy.  Proponents say the passenger exposure (no pun intended, really) to x-rays is not dangerous.  But that's not the real issue.  As Rep. Jason Chaffetz says, "Nobody needs to see my wife and kids naked to secure an airplane."  A lot of people feel the same way.  Chaffetz offered an amendment to a larger TSA bill that offered passengers an alternative pat-down to the x-rays.  The amendment also requires the images to be deleted after they are no longer necessary for security purposes, and prohibits TSA employees from sharing them.  Imagine if these things started showing up online.  That's not happened so far as I'm aware, but the potential exists.  The House vote was 310-118.  The legislation now goes to the Senate.  More details are at CNET here. 

Speaking of changes to TSA procedure, there is a new requirement that the name on the ticket match that of the passenger exactly.  The San Jose Mercury News has a summary of the new rule and its requirements here.  Take note, AALL bound travelers.  [MG]